Half Truths... The Most Cowardly of Lies

Mark Twain said it best: A half truth is the most cowardly of lies.

The recent ads being put out from the NC Water Rights Committee are filled with half truths about Alcoa’s environmental track record.

Here is what the ads don’t tell you:

Alcoa began testing Badin Lake for PCBs in late 1996.  This data was shared with the NC Department of Health and NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources in early 1997.  The NC Department of Health’s prompt conclusion: the PCBs should not pose a significant health risk. 

The ads also don’t tell you that the state has found similar levels of PCBs in fish in portions of the Yadkin River near Mocksville, well upstream of the Badin Works plant, or that some of the highest levels of PCBs in fish in Badin Lake were also upstream of Badin Works.

Don't be distracted by the scare tactics of the NC Water Rights Committee.  This is simply an attempt by them to mislead people about their support for a costly government takeover of Alcoa's property.  

Tax Day: A Good Time To Consider How Our Tax Dollars Are Spent

When you file your tax return today, it’s a good time to stop and think about how your tax money is being spent.

In Stanly County, the Commissioners have already spent more than $3 million of tax revenue – without any public debate – on lawyers, lobbyists and other expenses related to its push for a government takeover of Alcoa’s property.  In the first two months of 2010, the Commissioners have spent more than $300,000.  They are on pace to spend an additional $2 million this year alone.

Meanwhile, Gov. Perdue supports a costly government takeover despite the financial crisis facing our state.  With lagging revenue projections, North Carolina predicts a budget shortfall of almost $800 million this year. But that hasn’t stopped Gov. Perdue from continuing to push for a government takeover that could cost taxpayers up to a half billion dollars.

The Wall Street Journal reported in January that Americans have grown increasingly opposed to government intervention in private businesses.

Learn more at www.HowManyMillion.com.

Moving Forward with Badin Works Redevelopment

Alcoa announced this week that it will permanently close two idle smelting plants, including the Badin Works plant in Badin, North Carolina.  This is a positive step that will allow Alcoa to continue moving forward with its ongoing plans to redevelop the Badin Works site to attract new industry and new jobs to Badin and Stanly County.

 

The decision to officially close the plant helps pave the way for redeveloping the site by removing the need to preserve equipment and permits for a potential restart of the plant.  Alcoa officials are currently evaluating future plans for the site, including the potential demolition of buildings. 

 

Alcoa has a successful track record of redeveloping former smelter sites to attract new investment and new jobs that benefit the local community.  For example, a former smelter in Oregon is now a thriving industrial park and the redevelopment of a smelter in Washington state is creating up to 1,900 construction-related jobs. 

 

Alcoa will continue to work closely with state and federal officials to determine the appropriate steps to manage environmental issues associated with the site.

 

Built in 1917, Badin Works was one of the oldest and smallest aluminum smelters in the nation.  Changing economic conditions led Alcoa to reduce the plant’s production in 2002 and formally curtail operations in 2007.

 

This announcement does not impact Alcoa’s hydroelectric operations or the relicensing of the Yadkin Project.  The company continues to employ more than 30 people in Stanly County and remains the county’s largest taxpayer.